DETECTION OF INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID (IAA) PRODUCTION BY ENDOPHYTIC BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM COCOA PLANTS AND THEIR GROWTH PROMOTING EFFECTS ON CHILI SEEDLINGS
Authors: Ishak Zubir 1, Ernie Eileen Rizlan Ross 2*, Norhanisah Mohd Rafee 2, Rahman, M.Z.A.3, Lea Johnsiul 3, Norasekin Tamchek 3, Roslina, M.S. 3, Nurfadzilah, M.4 and Mohd Anuar, S. 1
Journal Issue: Malaysian Cocoa Journal, Volume 17 2025
Keywords: Endophyte, bacteria, plant growth, indole-3-acetic acid, and Salkowski
Published On: 5/11/2025
Abstract
Microorganisms known as endophytes grow and colonize the tissue of plants without causing harm to their hosts. Endophytes and plant interactions are said to be symbiotic because both parties gain benefits from this partnership. The host plant offers the microorganisms protective niches, while these microbes create metabolites that promote nutrient absorption, altering the growth and biomass accumulation of the plant. Cocoa plants have been shown to contain endophytes that may promote the wellbeing of the plants. This research targets on detection of Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) production by previously isolated endophytes from cocoa plants using Salkowski reagent. This study will also look at the effect of applying the isolated endophyte to evaluate endophytic bacterial beneficial effects on their plants hosts either directly or indirectly. The findings of this study will give advanced knowledge on the selected endophytic bacteria’s capacity (PA and PD) to boost and encourage plant growth which may be related to their production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA).